Independent filmmaking group Fighting Owl Films is planning a new short film project and needs your help to make it happen! Fighting Owl Films was founded in 2007 by Thomas Smith and, in addition to producing numerous short films in the intervening years, produced the feature film The Night Shift in 2010. The low-budget feature received favorable reviews from media outlets across the country, was named Best Fantasy Feature at Shockerfest International Film Festival and released on DVD by distributor R-Squared Films in October 2011. Since completing The Night Shift, the filmmakers have been busy producing C.U.P.I.D, a short romantic comedy currently in post-production.

The new film, Night of the Krampus, features a running time of around a half hour and revisits key characters from The Night Shift on a whole new adventure. The holiday-themed story delves into the mythology of Krampus, a legendary creature said to travel with Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. While Santa rewards the good girls and boys of the world, Krampus punishes the naughty. But that’s just a myth…or is it? When the naughty kids of a suburban neighborhood vanish in the weeks leading up to Christmas, evidence points to the creature's existence. It’s up to supernatural investigators Rue Morgan, Claire Rennfield and Herbie West to solve the mystery, save the children and face-off against the deadly Krampus.

Writer/Director Thomas Smith is passionate about the project. He loves the characters created in The Night Shift and is anxious to revisit them and reunite with the actors who brought them to life. The germination of the project began with the Alpine legend of the Krampus. Since first learning of the myth many years ago, Smith has been fascinated by the creature, primarily because it represents such a dark side of what is perceived as a bright, festive and happy holiday season. “I’m excited to explore the Krampus folklore because it isn’t a creature that's been done to death on film,” Smith said. “There are very few portrayals of Krampus in media, not to mention many people are unaware of the creature and its connection to the holiday season.” Smith hopes the film introduces the legend to a whole new audience. “And, if it encourages kids to be a little nicer, that's just an added bonus!”

Smith hopes to raise funds for the film through crowdfunding website Indie GoGo, a Kickstarter-like site with greater flexibility. The short has been budgeted at $4,000, which covers the rental cost of high-definition camera gear, the creation of the Krampus creature suit and makeup, props, general costumes, on-set meals for cast and crew, and post-production work, including color correction, visual effects and sound design. The filmmaker hopes to reach the full goal for funding within the 45 day timeframe provided by Indie GoGo. After that time, the project page expires. However, if the full amount is not raised, the funds that are received will still go toward financing the project. Smith commented, “We'll get as far as we can with what we raise, then try another funding effort to complete the next phase. Every little bit helps!” For those who support the project, several exciting rewards packages have been created as a way to thank patrons for their help. Whether people give a little or a lot, every cent is appreciated and we believe these packages show that.

The filmmakers understand that not everyone will be able to contribute, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still help. Spreading the word about the project, telling friends and family, posting about the project on websites or social media, is another great way to bring attention to the project and spread our reach.

Once funding is in place, Smith hopes to have the project in production by December of this year.

For more information or to support the project, visit www.indiegogo.com/krampusnight. For more information about Fighting Owl Films, visit www.fightingowlfilms.com or Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fightingowlfilms for the latest developments.